By Abbie Cornett

I get really frustrated listening to arguments about whether masks should or should not be mandated. In a perfect world, a Mask mandate would not be necessary. People would choose to wear one for the safety of others. Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world! Instead of choosing to wear a mask to protect others, many people argue it infringes on their personal freedoms.

The issue of personal freedom is very important to Americans. In fact, many believe it is a cornerstone of our democracy. I am the first to admit masks are uncomfortable, and I hate wearing them, but I wear one anyway. I do this because I understand by wearing one I am not only protecting myself, I am protecting others who may be more vulnerable than I am.

Unfortunately, not wearing a mask has become a political statement rather than a public health issue. While polls show most Americans wear masks in public, there are some who refuse based on their political beliefs. This refusal to wear a mask has led to more than half of the country enacting mask mandates to stop the spread of COVID.

While I understand the mandates are necessary, I find it ridicules that we must legislate good behavior. People who argue wearing a mask infringes on their personal freedom should ask themselves: Is this a situation in which the Golden Rule would apply. The golden rule teaches that we should treat others as we, ourselves, would wish to be treated. In other words, if I or a loved one had a medical condition that made me more vulnerable to COVID, would I wear a mask? If the answer is yes, PUT ONE ON.